Fitted pocket medical kit



Sept. 3, 1957 H. E. BARNETT FITTED POCKET MEDICAL KIT 2 Sheets-Sheet lFiled April 28, 1955 Sept. 3, 1957 H. E. BARNETT FITTED POCKET MEDICALKIT 2 SheetsSheet 2 Filed April 28, 1955 wbwm mmf A FITTED POCKETMEDICAL KIT Harry E. Barnett, Chicago, Ill. Application April 28, 1955,Serial No. 594,421

1 Claim. (Cl. 206-16) This invention relates to physicians and surgeonsmedical kits and more particularly to improvements in such kitscomprising a pocket-size container fitted with a careful selection ofdiagnostic instruments, therapeutic equipment and medications.

It is well known that physicians and surgeons, while they are makinghouse calls or are away from their ofiices, hospitals and the like,carry with them a large selection of diagnostic instruments, therapeuticequipment, medications and tools designed for temporary or emergencyuses. Such equipment occupies considerable space and requires acontainer of fairly large proportion. Customarily this is in the form ofa small suitcase, usually fitted with a handle and commonly known as adoctors bag. The size and weight of such a bag is not conducive toconvenience, and for this reason doctors are not wont to carry theirbags with them, at least when they are not directly engaged in thepractice of their profession as, for example, when they are attendingsocial or sporting events or during vacation periods. Notwithstandingthis, emergencies do occur during such times requiring the services of aphysician or surgeon. Obviously without the necessary equipment andmedication during such times, the doctor often is unable to practiceproficiently. Occasionally this may prove fatal to the patient.

Heretofore individual doctors have attempted to remedy the situation bycarrying with them in their pockets, in a more or less haphazardfashion, a few instruments and medications which they anticipated mightbe most critically needed in the event of an emergency. However, theyhave been limited in this regard primarily by the fact that the avilableinstruments were not designed especially for compactness and minimumweight. Hence at best only a limited number of instruments andmedications could be accommodated in this fashion.

It is therefore an important object of this invention to provide meansfor overcoming all of the disadvantages mentioned hereinabove.

An important object of this invention is to provide a pocket-sizemedical kit capable of comfortably fitting into the pockets of a suitcoat or trouser without undue bulging or discomfort to the wearer byreason of excessive size or weight. So also the kit is designed forfitting into even a ladys small purse or in a leather portfolio or thelike.

A related object is to afford a kit of the character described, thedimensions of which are less than the dimensions of the average rearpocket of a male trouser so that the same may be readily insertedtherein and removed therefrom. Such dimensions are not in excess of fiveinches in length, four and one-half inches in width and three-quartersof an inch in thickness. Another related object is to provide a fullyfitted kit, the overall weight of which is less than one pound.

A further object is to afford a plurality of specially designedinstruments which are light in weight, compact and capable of fittinginto a small kit of the type denited States Patent scribed without,however, sacrificing any of their functional properties.

A related object is to provide a monaural stethoscope especiallydesigned so that it will fit compactly into a minimum space provided inthe kit.

A further related object is to so design some of the instruments andfittings that they may serve double or triple functions.

Yet another object is to afford a two-sided kit of substantiallyrectangular shape with a peripheral zipper closure member completelyencircling the same on at least three sides thereof so that the kit maybe opened and laid flat with both inner sides fully exposed. Thecontents of the kit are arranged, positioned and retained against theexposed sides of the kits by ingeniously designed fittings.

An object relating thereto is to so arrange the contents of the kit andthe fittings that one side complements the other, i. e., bulkyinstruments are positioned opposite blank spaces or thin instruments onthe other side, thereby permitting a case of minimum thickness.

Yet a further object is to provide a kit containing a wide selection ofessential instruments, medications and equipment necessary for generalpractitioners of medicine but also designed to accommodate some of thespecial instruments and the like commonly used by specialists such asorthopedic surgeons and the like.

Finally a further object is to afford a fitted physicians and surgeonskit of the character described which is simply designed, inexpensive,compact, light-weight and attractive.

With the foregoing and other objects in view which will appear as thedescription proceeds, the invention consists of certain novel featuresof construction, arrangement and a combination of parts hereinafterfully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, andparticularly pointed out in the appended claim, it being understood thatvarious changes in the form, proportion, size and minor details of thestructure may be made without departing from the spirit or sacrificingany of the advantages of the invention.

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of my invention, I haveillustrated in the accompanying drawings a preferred embodiment thereof,from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with thefollowing description, my invention, its mode of construction, assemblyand operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understoodand appreciated.

Referring to the drawings in which the same characters of reference areemployed to indicate corresponding or similar parts throughout theseveral figures of the drawings: P

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a closed kit embodying the principles ofmy invention;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the opened kit showing the interior andcontents in full detail;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken on the plane of line 3-3 in Fig. 1 ofthe drawings and viewed in the direction indicated;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of one of the diagnostic instruments, namely themonaural stethoscope;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged partially sectional view showing the details ofconstruction which permit the compact storing of the instrumentillustrated in Fig. 4 of the drawings;

Fig. 6 is a plan view of another instrument, namely the penicillinsyringe;

Fig. 7 is a plan view of another instrument, namely a thermometerpositioned in its protective tubular case;

Fig. 8 is a plan view of the syringe instrument illustrated in Fig. 6 ofthe drawings with the cover removed to reveal the needle, with a portionof a penicillin container wall broken away and showing the thermometercase being inserted into position to operate the syringe;

Fig. 9 is a plan view ofone of the kit components comprising asealedpacket'containing suture thread and a suture needle; and

Fig. 10 is "a fragmentary sectional view' takenon the plane of line1-ti10 in Fig. 2 of the drawings'andviewed in the direction indicated.

Referring now to Fig. 1 of the dr numeral 12 indicates generally mypocket which in the embodiment chosen for illustration, comprises a casewhich may be-made of any suitable material such as leather, plastic orthe like. The case may be of the wallet type, i. e. made froma singlelength'of'material and folded along a median line or hinge member suclwhich divides the same into two sides 13 and member such as zipper 22completely encircles three sides of the case as shown in Figs. 1 thedrawings. It further provides, in addition to the closure, a wall whichtogether with the sides 18 and 2 and the hinge 16 affords a completehousing within which may be positioned the various instruments,medications and equipment which will subsequently be described.

T. e inner walls 24 and 26 of sides 1?; and respectively may be providedwith a plurality of fittings which are carefully positioned anddimensioned to afford a plurality of compartments or retaining memberswithin which may be positioned the various equipments and instruments ofthe kit. Thefittings may comprise a plurality of strips of flexiblematerial sewn or otherwise at ted to tr e kit walls 24 and 26 in spacedrelationship to provide loops for retaining the instruments and the likein proper position. Thus'referring now to Figs. 2, 3 and 10 of thedrawings, it will be noted that the side 13 of the kit has a strip ofleather 28 alfixed transversely across the wall 24 and stitched to saidwall at a plurality of spaced positions such as 36 to provide aplurality of loops such as 32.. The size and shape of these loops varyin accordance with the size and shape of the instruments or medicationcontainers which are intended to be positioned therein.

Thus referring first to Fig. 2 of the drawings, as viewed from left toright, the first loop 32 is designed to retain therein an instrument 34which comprises a combination rule and goniometer. This instrument ispositioned at gs, reference the bottom of the loop directly against thewall 24. Re-

movabiy positioned thereover is a unique instrument which comprises apocket knife 36 formed with a hookengaging member 37 at one end to whichmay be attached various tool attachments. When so attached the knifethen serves as a handle for the assembled tool. One of such toolscomprises a combination file and screw driver 38 which may be removablypositioned over the knife 36 as shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings. A hookdevice 4%, formed on one end of the file 38, cooperates with thehook-engaging member 37 of the knife 36.

Within the next loop 32 may be removably positioned a tubular member 42which may be made of any hard durable material, such as metal, plasticand the like. This tubular member may protectively house a conventionalsyringe 44 complete with an attached needle The the body of a patient.If desired the syringe may be sterilized, inserted into the tube 42 andthen covered with a close-fitting rubber cap.

Referring now to Fig. 10 of the drawings, will be noted that anauxiliary fitting is superimposed over the next loop formed by the strip28. Thus a short strio as is aflixed to the strip 28 to form a pair ofloops and 59 which in turn are positioned over a shallow loop 52. Withinthe loop 52 may be positioned a diagnostic instrument comprising arefi'exharnmer 54. The 'reicx hammer in turn comprises'a'hammer head '56mount-ed on a stub shaft-58,.the end of which is formed with'a hookmember 69 which is similar to the file hook 4i) and is adapted forassociating thehammer withhthe knife 36 so that the knife then serves asthe handle for the hammer. The hammer head 56 is formed with a resilientrubber tip 62 useful in testing muscular reflex, and the other end maybe provided with a removable pin 64 which may be used for te tingsensations.

Within the auxiliary loops 48 and 50 positioned above thehammer-containing loop 52, may be positioned sealed vials of medicationsuch as 66 and 68. These medications may be provided for hypodermicinjections and may, of course, be selected from a large number of suchmedications. I have found that ampules of morphine sulphate andephedrine sulphate are most useful.

The next loop 32 is spaced from the auxiliary loop 48 to afford a gap79. The function of this gap 7-0 will beapparent as the descriptionproceeds.

Zvithin the loop 32 may be positioned a small battery flashlight 72. Theutility of such a flashlight as a tool and diagnosticinstrumentis'believed:tobe obvious and well known.

Completing the fittings on the wall 24 oil-Lit side 13 are a pair ofloops 74 and 76, Within the'loop 74 may be positioned a case 73containing therein a spring-wound measuring tape St. The loop '76retains in removable position a stethoscope diaphragm 82, the functionof which will become apparent as the description proceeds. It should benoted that the loops 7% and 76 are positioned in the free spaceremaining on the kit wall 24 and are again attached as by stitches 84 tothe kit side iii.

The other side 2i) of the kit as shown in Fig. 2 of the drawingsis'likewise fitted with a transverse strip 86 sewn to the wall 2d bymeans of rows of stitches such as 33 to afford a plurality of loops suchas 98 within which may be positioned additional instruments andmedications. Again reading from left to right in Pig. 2 of the drawings,within the first loop 90 may be positioned a combination penicillincontainer and hypodermic needle 91 which will be more fully described asthe description proceeds.

Within the next loop may be positioned a pair of stoppered plastic vials92 and 93 containing oral or hypo dermic medications such, as forexample, tablets of codeine sulphate and morphine sulphate. Within thenext loop may be positioned a package 9% which is more clearly shown inFig. 9 of the drawings. Within this package, which may be made ofcellophane, there may be a small bolt of suture material 5 5 and astraight-cutting suture needle 96. Removably positioned on top of thepackage 94 may be a tissue forceps 97.

Within the next loop may be removably positioned a scissors 8 for use inremoving bandages, sutures and the like. The next loop may contain asmall ball point pen 9? which may be used both for writing and as a skinmarking device. Next to this is formed a wider loop within which may beremovably-retained a length of rubber tubing me having an earpiece Tillfitted at one end thereof with a diaphragm adaptor 102 at the other endthereof. The function of this device will also become apparent as theescription proceeds.

Within the last loop of the strip 86 may be 'removably positioned ahollow tubular case 163 within which may be removably positioned aclinical thermometer 104. A separate loop fitting 165 aligned withthe'loop containing the vials 92 and 93 may retain an aromatic ammoniapearl 106 of the type which may be used to revive patients.

In Figs. 2, 3 and 10 of the drawings it will be noted that the fittingsof one side of the kit are so designed and positioned that the bulkierinstruments, tools and containers retained respectively therein arepositioned opposite fittings on the opposite side of the kit in whichare.

When the kitis closed, all-ofthe instruments, medications and tools areproperly contained and positioned therein without causing any excessivebulging of the kit. Moreover as was mentioned hereinabove, a number ofinstruments are especially designed so that they occupy the leastpossible space. Furthermore, some of them are designed so that they havemore than one function.

Directing attention then to Figs. 4-8 of the drawings, some of theseinstruments will now be described in greater detail. In Fig. 4 of thedrawings it will be noted that a stethoscope has been assembled byfitting the diaphragm 82 to the hollow rubber hose 100. This isaccomplished by providing the diaphragm with an adaptor fitting 107which cooperates with the adaptor 102 to operationally join thediaphragm to the rubber tube. Within the opposite end of the rubber tube100 is positioned the earpiece 101 which is formed with an enlargedcentral opening 108. This opening is adapted to loosely fit over aprojecting tubular member 109 on the diaphragm adaptor 102. Thisstructure is particularly useful in joining together the ends of therubber tube to permit positioning of the same within the kit so that thesame will occupy the least possible space. This is aptly shown in Fig. 2of the drawings. It should further be noted that the stethoscope ismonaural rather than binaural. Obviously such an instrument is mostcompact.

Attention is now directed to Figs. 6 and 8 of the drawings. Here thereis illustrated the combination penicillin container and hypodermicneedle 91 which comprises a disposable tube 110 containing some sixhundred thousand units of penicillin in aqueous suspension anddesignated generally by reference numeral 111. The open end of the tubeis closed by a gasket plunger 112 and the opposite end is fitted with ahypodermic needle 113. A rubber tube such as 114, one end of which isclosed, is adapted to fit over the needle and seal the same in sterilecondition.

In Fig. 7 of the drawings it will be noted that there is illustrated thethermometer 104 projecting from a protective tubular case 103. Thetubular case may also be used to actuate the plunger 112 as shown inFig. 8 of the drawings. It will further be noted that the rubber tubing100 which is used in the stethoscope may also be used separately as atourniquet.

From the foregoing description and drawings it should be apparent that Ihave provided a unique and most useful pocket size medical kit fittedwith a useful selection of diagnostic instruments, therapeutic equipmentand medication suffieient to enable the use of the same as an emergencykit by physicians and surgeons. Some of the instruments are especiallydesigned from the standpoint of compactness and ingeniousdual-functioning without however sacrificing any of their primaryfunctional utility. The fittings are further designed so that theinstruments may be positioned in such a manner that they complement eachother within the kit. Thus bulky instruments are positioned oppositeeither smaller instruments or empty spaces thereby achieving minimumthickness in the kit without subjecting the instruments to accidentalcrushing or the like. To further safeguard against accidental crushingit should be noted that the larger rigid instruments are so positionedalong the sides of the case as to impart additional rigidity to saidsides. This is of a special importance where the case is carried in thehip pocket. In order to insure proper positioning of the variousinstruments, the inside walls 24 and 26 may be stamped with the outlinesof the articles so that the same may be readily returned to their propercompartments by merely matching the shape of the article itself with theoutlines stamped on the walls.

It is believed that my invention, its mode of construction and assembly,and many of its advantages should be readily understood from theforegoing without further description, and it should also be manifestthat while a preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown anddescribed for illustrative purposes, the structural details arenevertheless capable of wide variation within the purview of myinvention as defined in the appended claim.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United Statesis:

A physicians and surgeons wallet comprising a pocketsize flexible casefoldable along a median portion to afford a case having two sides, azipper closure member encircling and joining together the adjacent freeedges of said sides, a flexible strip affixed one to each of the innersurfaces of said sides and extending transversely thereacross, aplurality of longitudinal rows of stitching spaced one from the other toafiix each of said strips to said sides and thereby afford a pluralityof loops of varying size, a short auxiliary strip stitched on one ofsaid first-mentioned strips to afiord a pair of additional loops, aplurality of additional single loops aflixed to at least one side ofsaid case in preselected positions, a plurality of small compactdiagnostic instruments, therapeutic equipment and medication-filledcontainers removably positioned in said loops, the loops and contentsthereof of one side positioned to at least partially overlap the loopsand the contents of the other side, whereby at least some of theoutermost protruding portions of the loops and contents of one side maybe positioned in the crevices between the loops and contents of theother side whereby to utilize the inner space of said case with maximumefficiency, at least some of said diagnostic instruments being made ofrigid material and so positioned as to impart sufiicient rigidity to thesides of said case so as to prevent deformation of the otherinstruments, equipment and containers, when the sides of the same aresubjected to the usual compressive forces encountered during such timesas the case is positioned in a hip-pocket.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS391,540 Leonard Oct. 23, 1888 1,722,507 Stanley July 30, 1929 2,062,237Schwartz Nov. 24, 1936 2,158,764 Silka May 16, 1939 2,167,926 GlaskerAug. 1, 1939 2,477,388 Moore July 26, 1949 2,648,366 Higbee et al. Aug.11, 1953 FOREIGN PATENTS 136,995 Great Britain Dec. 31, 1919 480,309Great Britain Feb. 21, 1938

